2004-2005

Spurs Outlast Pistons For Third Title

Detroit had won 10 straight post-season games with a chance to eliminate its opponent, but that string came to an end as San Antonio prevailed in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to win its third championship in seven years. The Spurs looked like they were going to roll to another title after winning the first two games at home in convincing fashion. But Detroit responded with two blowout wins in Games 3 and 4 setting the stage for the last three games, which all went down to the wire. Tim Duncan won his third MVP of the Finals despite struggling in Games 5 and 6. The big man responded with 25 points and 11 rebounds in the Spurs’ 81-74 win in Game 7. In winning the title, San Antonio showed they deserved the top Dunkel rating during the regular season (120.9) and improved that mark 3.4 points by defeating Denver, Seattle, Phoenix and Detroit along the way. Detroit once again made a strong move in the playoffs, jumping four spaces to No. 2 with series wins over Philadelphia, Indiana and Miami. Here are the final NBA rankings for the 2004-05 season.